Association of screen use trajectories from early childhood with cognitive development in late childhood: The EDEN mother–child cohort

Screen use has been related to children's cognitive development, but more evidence from longitudinal studies is needed. We investigated the association of screen use trajectories from age 2 to 11–12 years and cognitive development at 11–12 years in 459 children from the EDEN cohort. Parents reported how frequently TV was on during family meals at age 2, 3, 5 and 8 years and children's screen time at the same ages up to 11–12 years. Intellectual abilities were derived from subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at 11–12 years. Trajectories of screen time and TV on during family meals were identified and examined in relation with intellectual abilities using multivariable linear regression models. Four screen time trajectories were identified: low (11%), average (50%), high (32%), and very high (6%) user. The three trajectories of TV on during family meals were never (41%), sometimes (34%), and often/always (25%). Screen time trajectories were not associated with intellectual abilities at 11–12 years. TV on sometimes (vs never), but not often/always, during family meals was associated with reduced non-verbal and general intellectual abilities. Future studies need to consider the context of screen use, not just the time.